1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX

STEERING COLUMN

STEERING COLUMN

1995-96 STEERING Volkswagen - Steering Columns

DESCRIPTION

Steering column shaft is held together by a nylon button. During an accident, the nylon button shears and
upper part of shaft slides down over lower part of shaft. This allows SRS to maintain proper alignment
during inflation while absorbing impact of collision.

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: All models are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that
includes an air bag located in steering wheel. Use caution when working
around steering column. Ensure battery is disconnected before attempting
any repair. DO NOT apply electrical power to any component on steering
column without disconnecting air bag module (air bag could deploy).

NOTE: For information on air bag DIAGNOSIS & TESTING or DISPOSAL

PROCEDURES, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in
ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section:

z 1995 Models, see: AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM

z 1996 Models, see: AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM

Observe these precautions when working with air bag systems:

z Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
z Because of critical operating requirements of system, DO NOT attempt to service any air bag system
component.
z Air bag parts should not be left unattended. They should be installed in vehicle immediately after
removing them from their packaging.
z Air bag components which have been dropped onto a hard surface should not be used.
z Chemical cleaners, oil and grease should not contact vinyl covering on air bag module.
z Always disable air bag system before performing electric welding on vehicle.
z Air bag system can only be tested using Diagnostic Tester ( VAG 1551 ). Never use test light on air
bag system.

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM

WARNING: All models are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that
includes an air bag located in steering wheel. Use caution when working
around steering column. Ensure battery is disconnected before attempting
any repair. DO NOT apply electrical power to any component on steering
column without disconnecting air bag module (air bag could deploy).

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 1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX
STEERING COLUMN

NOTE: For information on air bag DIAGNOSIS & TESTING or DISPOSAL

PROCEDURES, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in
ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section:

z 1995 Models, see: AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM

z 1996 Models, see: AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM

To disable air bag system, disconnect and isolate negative battery cable. No waiting time is necessary before
working on vehicle. To activate system, turn ignition switch to ON position and exit vehicle. Reconnect
negative battery cable. Perform a system operational check to ensure proper system operation. See
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK

An air bag light is located on left side of instrument cluster. Air bag light is used to indicate readiness of
system. Light glows when ignition switch is on or engine is started. Light should stay on about 3 seconds
while air bag control unit performs an electronic test of system.

If air bag light does not glow when ignition is on or does not go out after 3 seconds, a fault probably exists
in system. If a fault occurs while ignition is on, it is stored in fault memory. Warning light will then glow
and air bag system will be switched off. If warning light glows or flickers while driving, air bag system
should be tested. See DIAGNOSIS & TESTING in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in
ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section:

z 1995 Models, see: AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM

z 1996 Models, see: AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM

ADJUSTMENTS

AIR BAG SPIRAL SPRING

To center spiral spring assembly, turn spring assembly 3 turns from stop in either direction.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

WARNING: Failure to follow air bag service precautions may result in air bag
deployment and personal injury. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . After
component replacement, perform a system operational check to ensure
proper system operation. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

AIR BAG MODULE

Removal

1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air
bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. Air bag module is located in steering wheel. See Fig. 1 . Remove air bag module Torx head screws
from rear of steering wheel. Lift off air bag module from steering wheel, and tilt air bag module
downward. Disconnect air bag module connector.

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 1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX
STEERING COLUMN

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten air bag module retaining screws to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Reactivate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING
AIR BAG SYSTEM . Check air bag indicator lights to ensure system is functioning properly. See
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

Fig. 1: Exploded View Of SRS Components

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF UNITED STATES, INC.

IGNITION SWITCH

Removal & Installation

1. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL . Remove lower cover from steering column.
2. Remove turn signal and windshield wiper switches. See TURN SIGNAL SWITCH and
WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH . Remove lock washer, spring and horn contact ring. Remove
steering column tube-to-steering column housing bolt.
3. Disconnect ignition switch connector. Unlock steering with ignition key. Remove steering column
housing, ignition lock and upper half of steering column switch cover. Remove and ignition switch
screw and ignition switch. To install ignition switch, reverse removal procedure.

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 1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX
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SPIRAL SPRING

Removal

1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air
bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. Remove air bag module. See AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel. See STEERING
WHEEL . Remove knee bar panel and steering column lower trim. Disconnect 2-pin connector at
base of steering column. Remove 3 spiral spring screws, and remove spiral spring. See Fig. 2 .

Fig. 2: Installing Spiral Spring

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF UNITED STATES, INC.

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 1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX
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Installation

1. New spiral spring assemblies have a cable tie which locks assembly in its centered position. Cable tie
must be removed before installing new spring assembly.
2. If a spiral spring assembly is reinstalled, it must be centered. To center, turn spring assembly 4 turns
from stop, in either direction.
3. To install spiral spring assembly, reverse removal procedure. Reactivate air bag system. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Check air bag indicator lights to ensure
system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .

STEERING COLUMN

WARNING: Remove air bag from vehicle before working on steering column. See AIR
BAG MODULE . Failure to remove air bag may result in personal injury.

NOTE: Refer to appropriate illustration for exploded view of steering column. See
Fig. 3 .

Removal

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL . Remove bolt
and screw from switch housing recess. Tilt switch unit toward instrument panel. Pry spacer sleeve
from column.
2. Pull up combination switch to disconnect connector. Remove combination switch. Disconnect
steering shaft from "U" joint shaft. Disconnect brake pedal push rod.
3. Disconnect clutch cable from clutch pedal (if equipped). Remove steering column bolts under
instrument panel. Drill out shear bolts. Remove column assembly from vehicle.

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. Place wheels in straight-ahead position. Tighten pinch bolt. Install
spacer. Install combination switch and steering wheel. Adjust brake pedal and clutch pedal height.

STEERING WHEEL

CAUTION: Applying excessive pressure or causing impact to mainshaft during service

may cause the column to disengage.

Removal

1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air
bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position. Remove air bag module. See AIR BAG MODULE .
Remove steering wheel nut and spring washer. Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly
reference. Remove steering wheel.

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table. Reactivate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG

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 1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX
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SYSTEM . Check air bag indicator lights to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .

TURN SIGNAL SWITCH

Removal & Installation

Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL . Disconnect turn signal switch connector. Remove turn
signal switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH

Removal & Installation

Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL . Remove turn signal switch. See TURN SIGNAL
SWITCH . Disconnect windshield wiper switch connector. Remove windshield wiper switch. To install,
reverse removal procedure.

OVERHAUL

STEERING COLUMN

NOTE: Refer to appropriate illustration for exploded view of steering column. See
Fig. 3 .

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 1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX
STEERING COLUMN

Fig. 3: Exploded View Of Steering Column (Passat)

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Disassembly

Press steering shaft (column) from column tube. Remove bearings from steering shaft.

Inspection

Check upper bracket for damage and upper bearing for smooth rotation. Check shafts for signs of bending,
damaged splines, or damaged "U" joints. Check column tube for bending or other damage. Repair or replace
components as necessary.

Reassembly

Press in steering shaft and new bearings. DO NOT use more than 200 lbs. (90 kg) force to press shaft and
bearings into column tube.

"U" JOINT SHAFT

Disassembly

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 1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX
STEERING COLUMN

1. Remove lower "U" joint shaft-to-steering gear pinion shaft pinch bolt. Separate manual gearshift
linkage from steering box (if equipped). Remove steering gear nuts.
2. Pull box down to separate from lower "U" joint. Remove rubber boot from lower "U" joint. Remove
upper "U" joint pinch bolt. Pull down joint and remove shaft with "U" joints.

Inspection

Inspect "U" joints for wear or excessive play. If abnormal wear or play exists, replace as necessary.

Reassembly

1. Fit "U" joint to steering shaft. Align steering shaft notch with lower "U" joint slot. Install boot and
damping grommet. Fit steering box to frame while guiding pinion shaft into lower "U" joint.
2. Hand-tighten steering gear retaining nuts. Place wheels in straight-ahead position. Align steering shaft
(column) and "U" joint. Tighten pinch bolt. Tighten steering gear nuts. Connect gearshift linkage.
Check linkage for smooth operation.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)
Pinch Bolt 22 (30)
Shear Bolt (1)

Steering Column-To-Instrument Panel Bolt 16 (22)

Steering Gear Nut 22 (30)
Steering Wheel Nut 37 (50)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Air Bag Module-To-Steering Wheel Screws 57 (6.5)
(1) Tighten until bolt head snaps off.

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